The accident happened about 2pm last Saturday, local time.
His friend Tomas Doell, who was with him at the time, told 8 News Now, that “it was traumatising for everybody involved in the situation”.
“Will is just fantastic. Just the best human ever. He lights up every room he goes in. He’s always got a smile on his face. Super loving and joking.”
A Go Fund Me page has been set up by Doell to raise funds for Campbell’s medical bills.
“During his climb, Will suffered a serious head injury and is now in the hospital facing a long road to recovery.
“The financial burden of hospital bills and ongoing rehabilitation is overwhelming for Will and his loved ones.
“The funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward covering his medical expenses, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, and the rehabilitation he needs to regain his strength and independence.”
Doell told 8 News Now that although Campbell uses traveller’s insurance, it does not cover the accident.
The page has so far raised nearly US$30,000 ($52,500).
Doell said Campbell was an experienced rock climber, and the group of friends regularly chose Red Rock Canyon.
“There’s lots of cool opportunities in Red Rocks, as far as large multi-day, multi-pitch climbing, single pitch like sport climbing.
“There’s just climbing for everyone.”
Doell said: “It’s honestly been the worst four days of my life. It feels like we’ve spent a month in the last four days.
“Especially waiting for the helicopter, I was one of the people waving it down,” Doell said.
“It just felt like a whole lifetime. And seeing Will in that condition was just, and currently is, still heartbreaking.”
Campbell was cleared for release from hospital on Tuesday, with his recovery “expected to take months”, according to Doell.
The Herald has reached out to Campbell and friends for comment.
